Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

[ratsmac]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

I haven't really seen enough of Suckling to be excited or not. What I do know is that he is a 2 time premiership player that just walked out on the reigning premier's to come play for us. Is he crazy or was it a wise career move? Time will tell I suppose.

Anyhow welcome to the kennel Matt Suckling.

[bulldogtragic]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

I haven't really seen enough of Suckling to be excited or not. What I do know is that he is a 2 time premiership player that just walked out on the reigning premier's to come play for us. Is he crazy or was it a wise career move? Time will tell I suppose.

Anyhow welcome to the kennel Matt Suckling.

From what I've heard is that he's been on a two week full on boozy bender since he won the premiership. When his hang over clears he's going to have a big surprise and some photos of he and Jason Macca signing a contract at Crown in front of that touring Vegas Elvis wedding celebrant.

[Bornadog]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Tweet from Suckling:

[Sedat]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

What I do know is that he is a 2 time premiership player that just walked out on the reigning premier's to come play for us. Is he crazy or was it a wise career move?

My understanding is that he stayed on crazy small money (relative to his ability) in order to remain at the Hawks for team success. Now that he's achieved that he's looking for coin that is commensurate with his value, and hopefully more success at another club.

Salary cap is finally starting to bite at Glenferrie.

[stefoid]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

I dont like 'barometer' players.

[Topdog]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

.. bit premature ? just over a month ago Boyd is in the AllAustralian squad...Matthew Boyd, Western Bulldogs. All Australian 2009, 2011. 18 games in 2015. 306 kicks, 144 marks, 189 handballs, averaging 17.0 kicks, 8.0 marks, 10.5 handballs. One Goal, Six Behinds. 24 Clearances, 44 Inside 50m, 79 Rebound 50m. 38 Tackles.

You forgot an important stat. Age 33. As much as we'd love him to continue on forever at some stage he will get too old to play. For many players this happens almost overnight and you go from being AA to being finished. We have to be planning for this.

[Webby]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Good get. Underrated player who makes a big contribution to the Hawks' key area of strength. He's got a laser of a left foot which is invaluable out of defence. His kicking is damn close to the Gilbee level. That's invaluable.

I am chuffed that the gods have conspired to see Talia's woeful kicking skills removed from our squad and for them to be replaced with some elite ones. Another small step on the road to success, as I see it.

[Ghost Dog]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Well done Dogs. Was glad to hear this news. He looks quick, brave and experienced. Comes from a winning culture.
Does he have a nickname?

[SlimPickens]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Well done Dogs. Was glad to hear this news. He looks quick, brave and experienced. Comes from a winning culture.
Does he have a nickname?

Surely Pig or Piggy.

[F'scary]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

I see him more on the wing, being a danger 50-60 from goal. Replacing Grant.

Grant can also be a dangerous forward.

In 2015, Dale got 10 games, Honeychurch 11 games, Prudden 4 games, Darley 2 games, Hrovat 7 games, Pearce 1 game, Roarke Smith 1 game, Clay Smith 3 games (including him because we don't know what the future holds for him AFL-wise), Goodes 7 games. That is 46 games from players that either won't be there in 2016 or that Suckling would be a strong challenge to be selected ahead of.

Plenty of opportunity for Suckers without Mikey having to be let go.

[F'scary]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Mind you, there is the excellent prospect of 22+ games from Libba jnr to come off that tally of 46 games.

[Webby]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Well done Dogs. Was glad to hear this news. He looks quick, brave and experienced. Comes from a winning culture.
Does he have a nickname?

It's actually Sucky...! Kid you not!

[Rocco Jones]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Grant can also be a dangerous forward.

I gotta say I am pretty glad we are not offering him a contract (seemingly unless it's strictly under our conditions).

Basically he is a winger/forward who:
- is just about league worst level for goal kick reliability
- struggles to find the ball
- not a great field kick

They are some pretty glaring decencies. I feel his fans rate him higher based on low expectation.

[BornInDroopSt'54]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

Suckling wins the ball off half back, Stringer/Boyd do a double lead....Hopefully our forwards develop an understanding with Spit Roast.

[F'scary]

Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs: Matt Suckling

I gotta say I am pretty glad we are not offering him a contract (seemingly unless it's strictly under our conditions).

Basically he is a winger/forward who:
- is just about league worst level for goal kick reliability
- struggles to find the ball
- not a great field kick

They are some pretty glaring decencies. I feel his fans rate him higher based on low expectation.

I reckon there is a spot for him on the list next year on our terms. At the moment we have 2 more vacancies on the senior list. Then Talia looks like being traded and there are one or two others (probably from the smaller to medium mids group) who may be shopped around. We could have a 5 places senior list refreshment, plus 3 rookies without letting Grant go.

Rocco, I'm not the biggest fan of Grant. I just reckon he is worth more than a 3rd round compensation pick (pick 45+) which is what appears to be on offer at best given his low currency. If there is no RFA interest, we keep him on a one year minimum contract wage.